Join Us In Spreading Christmas Cheer!

This Christmas, Christ Church Community Centre Swindon is opening its doors to host a festive dinner for those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

We are expecting around 100 guests for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community. The event will include a delicious 3-course Christmas meal, festive carols, and a chance to watch the King’s Speech together.

Event Details:

Date: Christmas Day

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: Community Centre at Christ Church, Swindon

Cost: Suggested donation of £10 per person (or £15 per head to cover the full cost).

How You Can Help
To make this special day possible, we’re reaching out to our community for support:

Monetary Donations: Each meal costs £15 per person, and every contribution will help cover the cost of food and drinks for our guests.

Gift Donations: We’re also collecting small gifts, such as toiletries, chocolates, or books, to share with our elderly attendees and bring a little extra joy to their day.

Volunteers Needed: If you can help drive guests to and from the event or assist in the kitchen, we would love to hear from you.

Reserve a Spot or Get Involved

Also, if you, or someone you know, would love to attend but are housebound and alone, please let us know—we’d be delighted to deliver a meal to your home on Christmas Day.

To donate, volunteer, or reserve a place for yourself or someone you know, please contact Chris Smith at:

☎ Call: 01793 267500

✉ Email: chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk

This Christmas, let’s come together to show that no one in our community is truly alone. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this event a success. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

#NotAlone #ChristmasAtChristChurch #SwindonCommunity

You’re invited to church this Christmas!

You are very welcome at our Advent and Christmas services and events – bring your family and friends or come along on your own. Whether it will be your first time at church or you have been before, we look forward to welcoming you at Christ Church and St Mary’s this Advent and Christmas season!

To find out all about our special Advent and Christmas services, scroll down through this post.

For services happening at Christ Church this week and to download an order of service to join in, visit our Weekly Service page HERE.

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch many of our services online on our YouTube channel HERE. Livestream links will be added to this post for the relevant services, over the next few weeks when they become available.

Old Town Partnership Advent Sunday Service

1st Dec 2024, 10:30 a.m. for 1 hour @ Immanuel United Reformed Church

The three churches of the Old Town Partnership coming together to celebrate Advent Sunday and close its year-long Partnership Project which has raised monies for Swindon Street Pastors and Swindon Youth for Christ. All welcome. There will be refreshments after the service.

This Partnership service will also be streamed on the Bath Road Methodist Church’s YouTube channel HERE.

Note: there will be NO 10am service at Christ Church on this day.

Advent Carol Service

1st Dec 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

A service of readings and advent carols led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette and Christ Church Choir. The Address will be given by David Cain. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a reflective start to the Season of Hope.

This Service will also be streamed on the Christ Church YouTube channel HERE.

Note: there will be NO 4 pm service at Christ Church on this day.

Christingle Service

8th Dec 2024, 4 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

An atmospheric service in the beautiful setting of Christ Church, with the lighting of Christingle oranges.

Children will have the opportunity to build their own Christingle!

St Mary’s Carol Service

15th Dec 2024, 4 p.m. for 1 hour @ St Mary’s Church, Commonweal Road, Swindon, SN1 4LB

A beautiful start to the Christmas season in the intimate setting of St Mary’s Church.

The service will be led by the Revd. David Day and the Address will be given by the Revd. Moira Slack.

All welcome to join us.

Note: there will be NO 9am service in St Mary’s on this day.

Service of Lessons & Carols

22nd Dec 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 1 hour, 30 mins @ Christ Church.

The traditional service of Readings and Carols by Candlelight as we move closer to Christmas.

Featuring the Christ Church Choir and friends. Organist: Tim Eyles, Conductor: Katrine Reimers.

The service will be led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette and the Address will be given by the Right Revd. Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon.

All welcome to the service and there will be mulled wine, soft drinks, and minced pies available afterwards.

Swindon Town Football Club Christmas Carol Service

23rd Dec 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

The annual Swindon Town Football Cub Carol Service led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette.

All welcome, including non-football fans, to come along and join the players for a good singalong!

Christmas Eve Crib Service

24th Dec 2024, 4 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

A retelling of the birth of Jesus from the point of view of someone who was there.

Dress up as a character from the Nativity story (including animals!) or come in your party clothes.

Children will be invited to take part in the story.

Midnight Mass

24th Dec 2024, 11 p.m. for 1 hour @Christ Church

The traditional Service of Holy Communion with Carols on this most Holy Night to see in Christmas Day.

Service led by The Revd. Norma McKemey with Sermon by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette.

All Welcome!

Christmas Morning Worship with Holy Communion

25th Dec 2024, 10 a.m. for 1 hour, 30 mins @ Christ Church

An informal service with Holy Communion for all the family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The service will be led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette and the address will be given by the Revd. Norma McKemey.

Why not wear your Christmas jumper and bring one of the gifts you received to show us?

All welcome!

Watchnight Service

31st Dec 2024, 11 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

Welcome in the New Year with us as we celebrate Holy Communion together, then hear the bells ring in 2025.

Service led by the Revd. Norma McKemey with an address from the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette.

All Age Epiphany Service

5th Jan 2025, 10 a.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

An All Age Worship Service where we will be Celebrating the arrival of the three wise men.

***

For services happening at Christ Church this week and to download an order of service to join in, visit our Weekly Service page HERE.

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch many of our services online on our YouTube channel HERE. Livestream links will be added to this post for the relevant services, over the next few weeks when they become available.

Upcoming Events at Christ Church and the Community Centre this Autumn

We have just published our autumn newsletter for all the upcoming concerts and events happening at Christ Church and the Community Centre in the next few months.

You can download the newsletter HERE

Wiltshire Ride & Stride 2024 Christ Church Team Recap

Our incredible Christ Church Community Centre Team visited a total of 148 churches and covered a massive 165 miles yesterday during the 40th Anniversary of Wiltshire Ride & Stride!

Here’s how everyone did:

– Carol visited 27 churches and walked 22.5 miles.

– Caroline made it to 16 churches using a combination of buses and walking.

– Daniel cycled to 10 churches.

– Elizabeth and Cat started late at 2:26pm and cycled to 24 Churches in 3 hours and 31 minutes, covering 19.75 miles, and finishing at their last church with just 3 minutes until the 6pm deadline – phew!

– Chris and Jacob (age 11!) set a new Christ Church record, visiting an impressive 46 churches and riding 58.5 miles! 🏆 They’ve officially surpassed Janet French, who held the record for many years at 42 churches!

– Ian, Paul, and Steve visited 25 churches in the Highworth and Cricklade areas, traveling a total of 64 miles.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the team!

There’s still time to donate and help us preserve Wiltshire’s historic churches and Christ Church for future generations. Half of the money will go to the trust and half to Christ Church🙏

👉 Please Donate Here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/christ-church-community-centre-ride-and-stride-team-2024

Simon’s Weekly Video Updates and Playlist on YouTube

Every Monday, Simon the Vicar shares a short, uplifting message on YouTube to help start your week with positivity and faith.

His videos cover topics like scripture, life lessons, spiritual encouragement, and upcoming news of services and events, all delivered in a friendly and easy-to-understand way in less than three minutes.

If you miss a Monday, don’t worry! All his videos are saved in a playlist, which you can find HERE.

Why not subscribe to Christ Church’s Youtube channel and make his weekly updates part of your routine for inspiration and connection with the church community here at Christ Church.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Christ Church Swindon for Your Generosity from the Parish Share Team at the Diocese of Bristol

We recently received the following thank you message from the Diocese of Bristol:

We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone at Christ Church Swindon for your generous contributions to the Parish Share, which continue to support the ministry and mission of our shared Church across the Diocese.

It is truly inspiring to witness the difference your giving is making in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Through your support, we are seeing God’s work in action, impacting countless people in powerful ways.

What Your Giving Has Achieved

Thanks to your contributions, last year alone, your generosity helped fund essential services, bringing hope and practical help to those in need:

• Over 130 support services for individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty, including 25 night shelters and 105 food banks.
• 121 community cafes and activities, and 73 programs for older people, combating loneliness and social isolation.
• More than 130 initiatives to support children and families, including 27 holiday and after-school clubs, 38 youth programs, and 65 parent-toddler playgroups.
• Over 100 social support services, providing help for refugees, abuse survivors, and those struggling with addiction and marginalization.

Putting Faith into Action

Your dedication to Parish Share enables us to extend the Church’s mission to areas that may struggle financially, ensuring that every parish in the Diocese can thrive in ministry and outreach. Your faith in action is helping to build stronger, more compassionate communities where every person can experience the love and support of the Church.

Through your generosity, you’ve helped volunteers and ministers run youth groups, visit the lonely, and provide food banks, among many other impactful ministries. This is a living testament to what happens when we come together as a family in faith.

Thank You for Making a Difference

We are truly thankful for your open-handed spirit and your commitment to supporting your diocesan family. Your faithful giving is changing lives, and together, we are continuing to build a brighter, more connected future for all.

Thank you once again for your incredible generosity.

The Ven Becky Waring and The Ven Christopher Bryan, The Parish Share Team at the Diocese of Bristol.

To find out more about the Parish Share, visit the Diocese of Bristol Parish Share page HERE.

Official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III now on display in the community centre

We have recently received a copy of the official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III marking the start of the new reign from the UK Government.

The portrait is on display in the community centre corridor outside of the parish office.

There is a long tradition of displaying a portrait of the Monarch in public buildings, signifying their importance at the heart of national life.

The photograph of His Majesty was taken in autumn 2023 in Windsor Castle by photographer Hugo Burnand, who also took The King and Queen’s Coronation photographs.

His Majesty is shown in the uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet (No. 1 Tailcoat), and is wearing the Garter Collar and Sovereign’s Badge, Garter Star, Thistle Star, the Bath Sovereign’s Badge, the Order of Merit, the Royal Victorian Order’s Royal Victorian Chain and GCVO Sash, as well as a set of medals on his medal bar.

Care has been taken to ensure sustainability of materials and minimisation of the environmental impact in the material used in the production of the portraits and packaging and also the processes used. The packaging is made from 70% recycled material and is 100% recyclable.

Generosity Month is here at Christ Church this September

Join us for an inspiring journey through a month dedicated to celebrating and enhancing the spirit of gratitude and giving. Here’s what to look forward to each week:

Week 1 – The Call: Discover the power of generosity and how it fuels our mission. We’ll explore what it means to give and the incredible impact it can have on our community.

Week 2 – The Impact of Your Giving: Hear stories of success from the past year. See firsthand how your contributions have made a difference!

Week 3 – The Need/Challenge: Understand the financial requirements to sustain our church and our CC@CC initiatives. We’ll dive into the challenges and needs we face to continue our vital work.

Week 4 – Ways to Give: As part of the CofE Generosity Week, learn about the various ways you can contribute, from one-time donations to ongoing support. Every gift, big or small, helps us achieve our mission goals.

Your support is crucial to our mission. For more information and to find out how you can contribute, please pick up a pack from the back of the church and read our Growing in Generosity 2024 booklet online here:

https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Growing-in-Generosity-Final-2024.pdf

Please will you download and complete a Promise Card to let us know how much you plan to give to support our work in 2025:

https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Promise-Card-2024.docx

No gift is too small for use in God’s work. Please return the card even if you decide not to change your giving from last year or are unable to give at this time.  Completed Promise cards can be returned to the Paris Office at church or emailed to Carol at: parishoffice@Christchurchswindon.co.uk

🙏💛
Let’s come together and make a lasting impact this Generosity Month!

Join Us in Supporting Wiltshire Historic Churches and Christ Church on the 40th Anniversary Ride & Stride!

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to announce that the Christ Church Community Centre Team will be participating in a very special edition of the Wiltshire Ride + Stride on Saturday, 14th September 2024. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this incredible event, which has been a cherished tradition since 1984, raising over £1.6 million to preserve the historic churches that are such an integral part of our county’s heritage.

Looking Back at 2023:

Last year’s Ride & Stride was an incredible success, and we owe a huge THANK YOU to our dedicated Christ Church Riders and Striders—Caroline and Daniel, Chris, Carol, and Steve—as well as to everyone who supported them.

Here are some highlights:

Caroline caught 7 buses and visited 15 churches.
Carol walked over 18 miles in the blistering heat, visiting 23 churches.
Daniel cycled solo and visited 11 churches.

Steve and Chris mostly cycled together; Chris rode over 42 miles and visited 38 churches, while Steve cycled an impressive 51 miles and visited 41 churches.

Although Janet French still holds the Christ Church record with 42 churches visited in one day, our 2023 team raised over £500 for the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, with nearly half of that amount coming back to Christ Church.

You can watch a brief slideshow of their adventure here

Why Are We Participating in 2024?

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ride + Stride, we reflect on the importance of our churches, which are more than just places of worship—they are the heart of our communities, connecting us to our history and each other. By participating in this milestone event, we are helping to ensure these historic buildings remain standing for future generations.

Half of the funds we raise this year will go directly to Christ Church, with the other half supporting the ongoing work of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust in preserving and restoring churches across the county.

How Can You Support Us?

We invite you to sponsor our team this year as we embark on this 40th-anniversary ride! Whether you choose to donate per church we visit or contribute a lump sum, your support will make a meaningful difference. Every donation helps us maintain the historic churches that are such a vital part of our heritage.

To contribute, please visit our JustGiving page: Christ Church Community Centre Ride and Stride Team 2024. For more information about the event and the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, you can also visit their website here.  If you want to join our team and Ride or Stride on the day, please contact Arline Stovell (Parish Organiser) and Chris Smith (details below).

Help is also needed during the day to welcome people to Christ Church and St Mary’s.

For more information please contact Arline Stovell, royandarline@gmail.com 07716394754

or Chris Smith, chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk  07582 305760

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We’re excited to take on this challenge again on 14th September 2024 and share our journey with you!

With heartfelt thanks,

The Christ Church Community Centre Team

Celebrating the Music of R.E.M. and Supporting Our Community Projects

Dear Church Family

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming event that combines the joy of music with the spirit of community support. On September 21, 2024, Christ Church will host an extraordinary concert featuring R.E.M. by Stipe: The World’s Number One R.E.M tribute band. This event not only promises an evening of unforgettable music but also serves as a crucial fundraiser for the Swindon Old Town Partnership of Churches annual project.

R.E.M. by Stipe faithfully captures the essence and energy of R.E.M., one of the most influential bands in alternative rock history. Formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, R.E.M. revolutionized the music scene with their distinctive sound and poetic (and political) lead vocals. Though the band disbanded in 2011, their legacy lives on, and R.E.M. by Stipe brings that magic to life with care, conviction, and affection.

Here’s what fans have to say about R.E.M. by Stipe:

“Love, love, love this band; absolutely brilliant! For live R.E.M. music, then this is a must-see.” (Keri)
“The next best thing to experiencing the real band live again.” (Cara)
“If you love R.E.M., then Stipe are a must-see. Always deliver a great and diverse set list.” (Richard)
“The first time I saw you play I was genuinely blown away, that’s how good you sound. Looking forward to the next show in Dublin.” (John)

But this concert is about more than just great music. It’s about coming together as a community to support those in need. The Swindon Old Town Partnership of Churches aims to raise £2,000 each over the year to support Street Pastors and Swindon Youth for Christ.

Street Pastors are volunteers who engage with people on the streets, providing a reassuring presence and practical support during the late-night hours. Their work is invaluable in ensuring the safety and well-being of the young and vulnerable coming out of the local pubs after a night out.

Swindon Youth for Christ is dedicated to supporting young people in our community, offering them opportunities to explore faith, develop life skills, and build meaningful relationships.

By attending this concert, you’ll be helping to fund programs that positively impact the lives of our youth.

Event Details:

Date & Time: September 21, 2024, from 20:00 to 23:00

Venue: Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Swindon, SN1 3HB

Tickets: Adults (16+): £12.00 + £0.50 | Children (U16): £12.00 + £0.50

We invite you to join us for this special event. Not only will you experience the timeless music of R.E.M. performed live, but you’ll also be contributing to projects that make a real difference in our community.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our event web page HERE

Let’s come together for an evening of music, fellowship, and support for our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Archdeacon’s Visitation for Church Wardens 2024

The Archdeacon’s Visitation will take place this evening, Tuesday, July 9th, at 7 PM in Malmesbury Abbey.

Churchwardens will be gathering at two in-person Visitation services across the Diocese this year. These services celebrate and affirm their ministry as they formally assume their offices for the first time or another year.

Becky Waring, Acting Archdeacon of Bristol, and Adam Beaumont, Associate Archdeacon of Bristol and Malmesbury, will lead the services. They will include the legal swearing-in and commissioning of the churchwardens as elected Bishops Officers and senior lay leaders in mission within their parishes.

The visitations provide an opportunity to express our gratitude for the vocation and contributions of churchwardens, as well as a valuable chance to meet in person.

Please pray for Simon Giles and Sheila Wright, who will be inducted as our new Churchwardens during this service.

We also honor and give thanks for our outgoing Churchwardens, Jim D’Avila and Nitin Shinde, reflecting on their achievements and dedicated service.

General Election – Thursday 4th July 2024